Friday, 7 July 2017

"gig economy"

New, damning evidence from several sources has been released on the gig economy this week, just ahead of the expected publication of the Taylor Review.

Yesterday, former Committee Chair for Work and Pensions Frank Field released a report that contained interviews with "gig economy" workers at Parcelforce, DPD and British Car Auctions. He found that workers were being paid less than £2.50 per hour and getting fined hundreds of pounds for being ill.

A quote from a DPD driver republished by the Guardian said: "This isn't self-employment, or employment either. It's a living hell, a nightmare scenario and the government needs to bring in legislation to stop these crooks from ripping off vulnerable people."

Both Taylor and government sources have come out in support of the gig economy by saying that many workers enjoy the "flexibility" it offers them, but further evidence of exploitation this week puts this argument into question.

Meanwhile, ACAS reported that zero-hours contracts are being used to silence workers who might otherwise assert their rights, and many have been forced onto the contracts rather than choosing insecure work.

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Ecosocialist Network

Individuals from a variety of Green and/or Left political organisations and traditions in the UK are now engaged in launching an Ecosocialist Network, intended to include Ecosocialsts, from various political parties or none.
Green Left, a left tendency within the Green Party of England and Wales decided to support this step in a recent poll of its members and some initial responses suggest that others also share the perception that there is a political opening for Ecosocialists to get organised, and indeed an urgent need to make this happen.
We are holding an organising meeting on 4 February in London. If you are interested in attending this meeting and/or joining a ESNet mailing list, please contact: yrrumuk@googlemail.com

The next Green Left Meetings

16 September 2017London18 November 2017Birmingham20 January 2018London14 April 2018Preston or Manchester9 June 2018Brighton21.July 2018 (AGM)London

GL BLOGPOLICY

This Blog aims to provide a discussion forum for and about Green Left. Postings to it may be text or graphics, they do not have to be absolutely in accord with the views of Green Left, nor, since one of Green Left's current aims is to change the policies of the Green Party of England and Wales do they have to be in accord with the policies of GPEW.

Postings can be sent to yrrumuk@googlemail.com .The Committee of Green Left reserves the right to refuse any posting.